Filipinos Await Miracle Event In April
[Original headline: Miracle to happen in April
Mama Mary tells visionaries]
Apparition at Garabandal
Since the first apparition of Our Lady in the mountain of San Sebastian de Garabandal on June 18, 1961, the Workers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel have continued to propagate devotion to her while awaiting the Church's recognition of the apparitions' authenticity.
We came to know about this when the Workers in the Philippines approached us through a friend, Virma Genuino Quito, cousin of Fr. Ollie Genuino.
Maripaz Herrero and her husband Subas, on the other hand, were instrumental in our viewing the tape of the apparitions, which was brought to their house by Luz and Tito Lopez. It was the first time that we saw the tape, which was translated into Tagalog.
We guess that when Our Lady wants something done, she uses instruments for the fulfillment of such mission. Several years ago, however, Carmita Francisco-Urra already asked me to write about Garabandal. It was only last year that Robert Puckett gave me a laminated message of Our Lady of Garabandal, which I have kept in my wallet.
Finally, last Feb. 4, we met with the Workers in the Philippines, namely, Luz Lopez, Tito Lopez, Nani Tan, Peter Galace and Luis Marasigan who is a friend of Virma.
The other members who were not present were Maripi Peronilla and Abel Tandag. The group was organized in 1992 with the help of Don Felbaum who had contact with John Leriou, president of the national executive committee in Sydney, Australia. The late Don Felbaum was a board member. Virma took his place in the board.
At the time of the first apparition, the small village of San Sebastian de Garabandal was home to 80 humble dwellings in the Cantabrian mountains of Northwest Spain.
On June 18, 1961, 8:30 p.m., four young girls were playing on the calleja, which was at the end of the village. Suddenly, there was thunder and lightning. There was also a very bright light, which eventually transformed into an angel. He appeared eight times until July 1 when he spoke for the first time announcing that the Virgin Mary would appear the following day as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
But even after July 1, the girls continued to see the Virgin carrying the Infant Jesus while in ecstasy. The girls were Conchita Gonzalez, Loli Mazon, Jacinta Gonzalez and Maria Cruz Gonzalez. The apparitions took place for four years until 1965.
Like in most messages of the Virgin during her apparitions, the message is the same: penance, conversion and prayer. In Garabandal on Oct. 18, 1961, she said in Spanish (translated here in English): "We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us."
Parishes or religious organizations that would like to view the tape of the apparitions can send their requests through www.garabandal.com, which was designed by Peter Galace, or call Luz Lopez at (+63 2) 921-5864, Peter at telefax (+63 2) 952-2265 or Nani Tan at (+63 2) 373-9919.
The Virgin told the visionaries that a great miracle will coincide with a great ecclesiastical event in the church and on the feast of a saint of the Holy Eucharist. This date is supposed to fall between April 8 and 16 this year at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Liturgical Time).
The miracle would last for 15 minutesthe greatest miracle, according to the visionary Conchita, that Jesus would perform for the world.
Members of the Philippine Garabandal Foundation are set to go to Garabandal in April. Those who wish to join them can call at the above numbers or World's Wonders at (+63 2) 726-6162 or fax (+63 2) 726-6147.
Luz Lopez has xeroxed the book on Garabandal by Jacques Serre and Beatrice Caux and had it bound. She hopes, however, that she would be able to have it printed in full color with the apparition photos. To help make this dream a reality, please help. Kindly call Luz Lopez at (+63 2) 921-5864.
Years back, Cielo Munzon Rivera, wife of Salvador Rivera and sister of Deedee Siytangco, suffered a severe form of cancer. She could not have an operation because she was allergic to anaesthesia. Luz Lopez, who is a friend, gave her the relic of Our Lady of Garabandal. It stayed with her for six months. She was healed and is now well.
Story originally published by:
Philippine Daily Inquirer / Manila - Feb 24.02
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